Decision Dilemmas
Decision-making is something many of us find challenging. Sometimes, we drag our feet or debate with ourselves the best possible course of action. We want to do the right thing but can’t quite decide the best way to make that happen. In order to give ourselves more time, we delay the decision, but it doesn’t make the inevitable any easier. We still have to decide. Often, we rationalize our indecisiveness by saying, “This is such a difficult decision – it’s hard to know what to do.” But perhaps that’s part of the problem. Maybe telling ourselves it’s a difficult decision makes it one. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we perceived decision-making as manageable, perhaps it would be exactly that.
Decisions affect every aspect of our lives. Different opportunities present themselves, and we must decide what we do with them. Do we take advantage of what comes our way, or do we let the opportunities pass us by? Either way, it’s up to us. It can be as simple as picking out what clothes we wear that day or as difficult as changing our career. But we have to decide what’s best for our lives. For even a non-decision is a decision. It’s all about choices. We can passively sit by, or we can actively engage and make our own decisions. It’s completely up to us.
When we choose to actively engage in our decision making, that doesn’t mean it will always be easy. But we can’t let fears and doubts dissuade us. Deep down, we know what’s best for ourselves. We simply have to be willing to listen to our inner voice. As a friend once told me, if it’s not a “Hell, yes,” then it’s a “no.” If you think about moving across the country and your inner voice screams, “Hell, yes,” then that is the right decision. If it’s an “I guess so,” maybe you need to reconsider. We want to place our confidence and trust in those inner voices. Anytime they scream, “Hell, yes” or “Hell, no,” we should definitely pay attention. But it’s the times when the answers are unclear that are particularly challenging. This is when we must go within, meditate, and listen to our hearts. We have to trust that our inner truth knows what we need to do. We have to believe in ourselves.
Decisions are a part of life. So, when you are faced with a decision, how do you respond? Do you trust that you will make the right choice? Do you listen to your heart? Or, do you let doubts and fears hold you back? Every day you have the choice of whether you will passively sit by or actively make your own decisions. What will you do? When you are willing to listen to yourself and follow your heart, decisions can actually be quite manageable (even the big ones). Believe in yourself and your ability to make good decisions. Listen to your inner voice and let your intuition guide you. Trust in its wisdom and whenever your voice screams, “Hell, yes” or “Hell, no,” I hope you’re paying attention because it’s definitely trying to tell you something.
